In short
- Foreign adults pay a 30 THB temple admission fee.
- The optional funicular cable car costs an additional 20 to 50 THB.
- A 100 THB National Park fee applies to wider nature areas.
In this article
Understanding the costs upfront makes your trip up the mountain simple. The fees are low, but you will need cash on hand to pay them.
What is the Doi Suthep entrance fee?
Foreign visitors pay 30 THB to enter the temple. Thai nationals enter for free.
You pay this fee near the top of the Naga staircase before entering the inner courtyard. It grants access to the main temple complex, the Golden Chedi, and the viewing terraces.
How much does the cable car cost?
The electric funicular costs between 20 THB and 50 THB.
This cable car is entirely optional. It is a good choice if you want to skip climbing the 306 steps of the Naga staircase. The ticket booth is located at the base of the temple.
Are there any national park fees?
A separate 100 THB fee may apply for wider park areas.
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep sits inside the 261-square-kilometer Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. You do not pay the 100 THB park fee for the main temple road. It only applies if you enter wider nature areas.
How much does transport to Doi Suthep cost?
Red songthaews cost 50 to 100 THB each way, while guided tours start around 600 THB.
Your transport costs will depend on how you choose to travel from Chiang Mai. Guided tours often include transport and entry fees together.
Do guided tours include the entrance fee?
Most guided combo tours include the 30 THB temple admission.
Always check your specific tour details. Half-day tours typically combine transport, guide services, and entry fees into one price. Tour prices change based on the booking platform you use.
What currency should I bring?
Bring cash in small Thai Baht notes.
You need cash to pay the 30 THB entrance fee and the funicular ticket. Small notes are also useful for transport, donations, and buying souvenirs at the Hmong market.
Questions travellers ask
Do Thais pay to enter Wat Phra That Doi Suthep?
No. Temple admission is completely free for Thai nationals.
Can I pay the Doi Suthep entrance fee with a card?
No. You must pay the 30 THB temple fee and the funicular fee in cash.
Does the temple fee cover the Hmong Village?
No. The Doi Pui Hmong Village is 4 kilometers further up the mountain and has its own separate activities and costs.
